James B. Dawson

December 7, 1930 - May 13, 2020

James B. Dawson, 89, of Saginaw, Michigan, our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, uncle and friend passed away on May 13, 2020 in Orange Park, Florida. James (Jim) was born December 7, 1930 in Saginaw, the son of Arthur Merrill Dawson and Martha Mabel Fisk Dawson. James graduated from Saginaw High School Class of 1948 and went on to work as a Railroad Engineer for C&O Railroad for 41 years. James married the love of his life, the former Janet Alyce Gudritz on February 11, 1949. Together they shared over 52 years of marriage and countless memories. Sadly, Janet predeceased James on April 20, 2001. James was a member of The Jefferson Avenue Methodist Church and later Faith Lutheran Church. He was on the Board of Trustees and a member of the Chancel Choir at Jefferson Avenue Methodist Church and volunteered countless hours to help maintain the church and the grounds, planting flowers every Spring. He was Local Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Chairman of the Railroad Retirees Breakfast Club for 41 years, along with Chairman and Treasurer of the Saginaw High School "Class of 1948" 50th and 60th class reunions. Brother James, honored by the Supreme Council as Prince of the Royal Secret Thirty-Second Degree and as such is affiliated with the Consistory in the Valley of Bay City, Michigan and was commended to the protection and fraternal consideration of all members of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite throughout the world. Brother James was honored in 2019 with a Certificate of Recognition for 68 years of service to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan. Throughout life, James had a BIG heart and cared about family, friends, animals and people (he never met a stranger) and always offered a helping hand, emotional support, guidance or encouragement or a witty comment that could make you laugh. He loved animals, always a dog by his side, filling his bird feeder daily and watching the squirrels come to party. He loved his country and honored family members who served in the military with donations and engraved bricks placed in a Memorial Walkway at Roselawn. He was a true red, white and blue patriot, he raised his flag every morning and lowered it at dusk. He loved and respected honoring the graves of all past family members with flags or flowers or grave blankets at Christmas. He lived life fully and loved to party. Before moving to Florida, James spent treasured time with a dear loving lady, Nancy Schoenow. They enjoyed each other's company for dinners, social events, holidays, church and celebrations of life, making many cherished memories. Above all, James loved being with his family. He will be missed dearly. James leaves to carry on his legacy, his children, Brian James (Patricia) Dawson and Laurie Ann Harmon; grandchildren, Brian James (Elizabeth) Dawson and Heather Ann (Arica) Dawson and great-granddaughter, Vivienne Louise Dawson. In addition to his parents and wife, James was welcomed home to heaven by his siblings, Marvin Dawson, Lloyd Dawson, Homer Dawson, Dorothy Barckholtz, Ruth Sonnenburg, LaVonne Mobius and son-in-law, Robert Harmon. It is going to be a Heavenly Happy Hour with nieces and nephews and friends that are celebrating their Divine Life of Eternal Joy and Peace. James' family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday, May 30, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM with a 12:00 Noon Masonic Memorial at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services (formerly Reitz-Herzberg), 1550 Midland Rd., between State & Gratiot. The 1:00 PM funeral will be private and live-streamed; please click the following link to view the funeral live: http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/67404624. Interment will be held in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.